SIXTEEN SCANDALS: 20 Years of Sex, Lies and Other Habits of Our Great Leaders: A Musical Comedy of Errors from the Capitol Steps

Political humor found a fresh voice 20 years ago with musical parodies from the Capitol Steps, including such topical tunes as "Stand by Your Dan" and "Boys Just Wanna Have Guns." Cofounded by Strauss and Newport, the group, composed of former congressional staffers, originated when a few aides performed nine songs at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Christmas party. Strauss and Newport continue to write, produce and direct, and they also narrate the 72-minute audio CD that accompanies the book and features a litany of lampoonery, 52 tracks from "Immense Expense Is Mainly in Defense" to "There's a Hole in the Center of the Ballot." Bill Clinton's escapades of course provided much fodder for humor, including the hilarious "Unzippin' My Doodah." The group is bipartisan in its choice of targets, and while Strauss and Newport bemoan the end of the cold war ("Sure, Bush's 'New World Order' made life kind and gentle, but around the globe, the old entertainment value was missing"), they have moved on to ribbing the Culture War and corporate scandal ("Enron-Ron-Ron"). This is a fun read (and listen), including a fascinating chapter tracing the history of American political satire. (On sale Oct. 1)

Forecast:Sourcebooks has great success with its innovative "media fusion" titles, and this one, with a 25,000 first printing, should do well.